Encyclopedia

Definition of: CSC(1) (Card Security Code) A three-digit or four-digit number printed on the front or back of credit cards for security purposes. Called "Card Verification Value" (CVV) by Visa, "Card Validation Code" (CVC) by MasterCard and "Card Identification (CID) by American Express and Discover, the number is requested by merchants to ensure that people actually have the card in their possession. The CSC is also written into the magnetic stripe.(2) (Common Short Codes) See short code.(3) (Compact System Camera) See mirrorless camera.